Keyboard with adaptive input row

ABSTRACT

Embodiments related to an electronic device having an adaptive input row. The adaptive input row may be positioned within an opening of a device and include a cover for receiving a touch and a display that is configured to present an adaptable set of indicia. The adaptive input row may also include one or more sensors for detecting the location of a touch and/or the magnitude of a force of the touch. The adaptive input row may be positioned adjacent or proximate to a keyboard of the electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a nonprovisional patent application of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/234,950, filed Sep. 30, 2015 andtitled “Keyboard with Adaptive Input Row,” the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to user-input devices. Moreparticularly, the present embodiments relate to an adaptive input rowfor receiving various types of user input.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, user input to a computer system includes a keyboardhaving dedicated keys or buttons. The operation of each key or buttonmay be tied to a particular function or command. However, traditionalkeyboard systems lack the flexibility to accommodate expansive featuresoffered by newer devices, operating systems, and software. A traditionalkeyboard may include some keys that may be used to perform multiple oralternative functions by pressing the key at the same time as a “shift”or “function” button. However, such configurations provide limitedflexibility and can be awkward or non-intuitive for a user to operate.

SUMMARY

Some example embodiments are directed to an electronic device having anadaptive input row. The device may include a housing that defines anopening and an adaptive input row that is positioned within the opening.The adaptive input row may include a cover for receiving a touch, and adisplay positioned below the cover and configured to present anadaptable set of indicia. The adaptive input row may also include atouch sensor configured to detect the location of the touch, and a forcesensor configured to detect a magnitude of a force of the touch. Thedevice may also include a set of keys positioned proximate to theadaptive input row. In some embodiments, the adaptive input row ispositioned adjacent to a number row of the set of keys.

In some embodiments, the device may also include a processing unitpositioned within the housing, and a primary display positioned at leastpartially within the housing and configured to display a graphical-userinterface executed by the processing unit. In some embodiments, thedisplay is an organic light-emitting diode display. The electronicdevice may be a keyboard device.

In some embodiments, multiple user-input regions are defined along alength of the cover. A first user-input region of the multipleuser-input regions may be responsive to the touch in a first input mode,and may not be responsive to the touch in a second input mode.

In some embodiments, the force sensor is positioned below the display.The force sensor may include a pair of capacitive electrodes separatedby a compressible layer. In some embodiments, the force sensor isconfigured to provide a seal to prevent an ingress of moisture or liquidinto an internal volume of the adaptive input row. In some embodiments,the pair of capacitive electrodes is a first pair of capacitiveelectrodes disposed at a first end of the display. The adaptive inputrow may also include a second pair of capacitive electrodes disposed ata second end of the display. In some embodiments, the electronic devicefurther comprises sensor circuitry operatively coupled to the first andsecond pairs of capacitive electrodes. The sensor circuitry may beconfigured to output a signal that corresponds to a location of thetouch on the cover based on a relative amount of deflection between thefirst and second pairs of capacitive electrodes.

In some embodiments, the force sensor is positioned below the display.The force sensor may include an array of force-sensitive structuresarranged along a length of the adaptive input row.

Some example embodiments are directed to a user input device thatincludes a set of alpha-numeric keys, and an adaptive input rowpositioned adjacent the set of alpha-numeric keys. The adaptive inputrow may include a cover, a display positioned below the cover, and asensor configured to detect a location of a touch on the cover. Thedisplay may be configured to display a first set of indicia when thedevice is operated in a first output mode. Touch output from the sensormay be interpreted as a first set of commands when in the first inputmode. The display may be configured to display a second set of indiciawhen the device is operated in a second output mode. Touch output fromthe sensor may be interpreted as a second set of commands when in thesecond input mode. In some embodiments, the adaptive input row includesa touch-sensitive region that extends beyond a display region positionedover the display.

In some embodiments, a set of programmably defined regions is definedalong a length of the adaptive input row. The first and second sets ofindicia may be displayed over the same set of programmably definedregions. In some embodiments, the first set of indicia includes ananimated indicia that is responsive to the touch on the cover.

In some embodiments, the touch on the cover includes a touch gestureinput in which the touch is moved across at least a portion of thecover. The touch may also include a forceful touch input in which thetouch exerts a force that exceeds a threshold. The touch may alsoinclude a multi-touch input in which multiple touches contact the cover.

Some example embodiments are directed to an electronic device includinga housing, a primary display positioned within a first opening of thehousing, and a keyboard having a set of keys protruding through a set ofopenings in the housing. The device may also include an adaptive inputrow positioned within a second opening of the housing adjacent to theset of keys. The adaptive input row may include a cover forming aportion of an exterior surface of the electronic device and a displaypositioned below the cover. The adaptive input row may also include asensor configured to detect a touch within a programmably defined regionon the cover.

In some embodiments, the sensor comprises a capacitive touch sensorformed from an array of capacitive nodes. The programmably definedregion may include a touch-sensitive area detectable by multiplecapacitive nodes. In some embodiments, the sensor comprises a capacitivetouch sensor configured to detect a touch gesture on the cover.Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may include two or moreforce-sensitive structures that are configured to detect a location ofthe touch along the length of the cover and a force of the touch.

In some embodiments, the sensor comprises a force-sensitive structurethat is disposed about the perimeter of the display. The force-sensitivestructure may include an upper capacitive electrode, a lower capacitiveelectrode, and a compressible layer positioned between the upper andlower capacitive electrodes. In some embodiments, the force-sensitivestructure forms a protective seal around the display.

In some embodiments, the electronic device further comprises a flexibleconduit operatively coupled to the display and sensor. The flexibleconduit may pass through a third opening in the housing locatedproximate to an end of the adaptive input row. The electronic device mayalso include a gasket positioned about the flexible conduit to form aseal between the flexible conduit and the third opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an example device having a keyboard and an adaptive inputrow.

FIGS. 2A-2J depict example embodiments for uses of an adaptive inputrow.

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of a simplified adaptive input row.

FIGS. 4A-4F depict cross-sectional views of example embodiments of aninput row stackup.

FIG. 5A depicts a side view of an adaptive input row having an exampleforce layer.

FIG. 5B depicts a side view of an adaptive input row having anotherexample force layer.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict side views of an adaptive input row having anotherexample force layer.

FIG. 6C depicts a cross-sectional view of the example force layers ofFIG. 6B.

FIG. 7 depicts another example device having an adaptive input row.

FIG. 8 depicts another example device with an adaptive input row.

FIG. 9 depicts an example electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodimentsillustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood thatthe following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments toone preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included withinthe spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by theappended claims.

The following disclosure relates to an electronic device having akeyboard or similar user-input device that includes an adaptive inputrow. The adaptive input row may include a display used to present a setof indicia or visual cues that correspond to a set of adaptive commandsor functions. The adaptive input row may be responsive to a user touch,allowing selection of one or more of the set of adaptive commands orfunctions. The adaptive input row may be positioned above the set ofalpha-numeric keys in the place of a traditional function row on akeyboard. In some cases, the adaptive input row can be used to performthe same functionality as a traditional function row, as well as performan expanded and diverse set of commands and functions as describedherein.

Some example embodiments are directed to an adaptive input row having adisplay that is configured to produce an adaptable set of visual indiciathat correspond to an input mode of the adaptive input row. The indiciaon the display may correspond to one or more of the following: ahardware-dependent input mode used to control one or more devices orhardware elements; a software-dependent input mode used to control oneor more aspects of a software program being executed on the device; auser-defined mode that is configurable by the user; and other input modeexamples which are described herein. The display may be used to presenta set of static indicia, one or more animated indicia, or a combinationof static and animated indicia.

The display may be integrated with one or more touch sensors and/orforce sensors that are configured to detect various combinations of usertouch and force input on the surface of the adaptive input row. Thetouch and/or force sensors may provide a touch-sensitive surface that isconfigured to detect the location of a touch, a magnitude of a touch,and/or a movement of the touch along the adaptive input row. The touchand/or force sensors may be used in combination or together to interpreta broad range of user touch configurations, including touch gestures,multi-touch input, and variable force input.

Some example embodiments are directed to an input row stack thatincludes a display positioned below a cover. The input row stack mayalso include one or both of a touch sensor and a force sensor. The touchand/or force sensor may be used to determine the position of a touchalong the length of the row. In some implementations, the input rowincludes a touch-sensitive region that extends beyond a display region.The extended region may be used to perform dedicated functions oroperations.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-8. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is forexplanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 depicts an example device having an adaptive input row. In thepresent embodiment, the device 100 is a notebook computing device thatincludes an adaptive input row 110, keyboard 120 and a primary display130 all positioned at least partially within a housing 102. Otherexample devices may include a desktop computing system, a standalonekeyboard, a tablet computing system, and so on. Additional exampledevices are described below with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7. Exampleinternal components of the device 100 are described below with respectto FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 1, the device 100 includes an adaptive input row 110positioned along a surface of a housing 102 above the keyboard 120. Inthe present example, the adaptive input row 110 is positioned adjacentto the portion of the keyboard 120 that typically includes a row ofnumber keys. This position of the adaptive input row 110 can also bedescribed as being along a side of the keyboard 120 that is opposite tothe user. In some cases, the adaptive input row 110 is positioned in thelocation ordinarily occupied by the function row of a traditionalkeyboard. However, the position and arrangement of the adaptive inputrow 110 may vary in different embodiments. For example, the adaptiveinput row may be positioned along the side of the keyboard 120, adjacentto a bottom of the keyboard 120, or located in another region of thedevice 100 that is not proximate to the keyboard 120.

The adaptive input row 110 may have a color and/or finish that matchesthe color and/or finish of the housing 102. For example, the adaptiveinput row 110 may be painted or otherwise treated to match the color andappearance of an aluminum or plastic housing 102. In some embodiments, aborder region is formed around the perimeter of the adaptive input row110 that is configured to substantially match the appearance of thehousing 102, while a central portion of the adaptive input row 110 istransparent to facilitate the presentation of graphics and symbols.

The adaptive input row 110 may be configured to operate as asingle-dimensional, touch-sensitive surface. For example, the adaptiveinput row 110 may be touch-sensitive and include either or both of atouch sensor or a force sensor that is configured to determine thelocation of a touch along the length of the adaptive input row 110. Asdescribed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 2A-2F, the adaptiveinput row 110 may be configured to receive a wide variety of touchand/or force inputs, which may be used to interpret a diverse set ofcommands or operations. In this example, the adaptive input row 110 hasa width that is approximately the same as the width of the keys of thekeyboard 120. While the adaptive input row 110 may be sized to accept anobject of approximately the width of a fingertip, the adaptive input row110 may be configured to recognize some small movements in directionsthat are transverse to the length of the adaptive input row 110.

The adaptive input row 110 may include an adaptable display and beconfigured to receive touch input from the user. The adaptable displaymay be a self-illuminated or illuminated display that is configured topresent different sets of visual indicia depending on the input mode ofthe adaptive input row 110. The visual indicia may correspond to afunction or command, which may also change depending on the input mode.Thus, touch selection of the same region of the adaptive input row 110may initiate or trigger a wide variety of functions or commands. Severalnon-limiting example scenarios are described below with respect to FIGS.2A-2F. Various example adaptive input row stack-ups are also providedbelow with respect to FIGS. 3, 4A-4F, 5A-5B, and 6A-6C.

In the example of FIG. 1, the device 100 includes a housing 102. Thehousing may include an upper portion 102 a pivotally coupled to a lowerportion 102 b. The pivotal coupling may allow the housing 102 to movebetween an open position (shown in FIG. 1) and a closed position. In theopen position, the user can access the keyboard 120 and view the primarydisplay 130. In the closed position, the upper portion 102 a may befolded to come into contact with the lower portion 102 b to hide orprotect the keyboard 120 and the primary display 130. In someimplementations, the upper portion 102 a is detachable from the lowerportion 102 b.

As shown in FIG. 1, the device 100 includes a keyboard 120 positioned atleast partially within the lower portion 102 b of the housing 102. Insome embodiments, the lower portion 102 b includes a web portion thatincludes multiple openings through which each of the keys of thekeyboard 120 protrude. In some embodiments, the keyboard 120 ispositioned within a single large opening in the lower portion 102 b. Inone example, each of the keys is an electromechanical switch that iselectrically actuated when a user depresses a key mechanism past anactuation point or threshold. The keys of the keyboard may be actuatedby making an electrical contact between two elements, although, in someembodiments, an optical signal, magnetic signal, or other type ofactuation may be used.

The device 100 includes a primary display 130 that is positioned atleast partially within an opening of the upper portion 102 a of thehousing 102. The primary display 130 may be operatively coupled to oneor more processing units of the device 100 and used to display agraphical-user interface being generated using the one or moreprocessing units. In some embodiments, the primary display 130 functionsas the main monitor for a computing operating system to display the maingraphical output for the device 100. The primary display 130 may also beused to display the user interface associated with one or more programsexecuted on the processing units of the device 100. For example, theprimary display 130 may display a word processing user interface, aspreadsheet user interface, a web browsing user interface, and so on.

The device 100 may also include various other components or devicesdepicted or not depicted in FIG. 1. In particular, the device 100 mayinclude a track pad 104 for receiving touch input from a user. The trackpad 104 may be positioned along a surface of the lower portion 102 balong a side of the keyboard 120 opposite to the adaptive input row 110.The track pad 104 may be used to control or guide a cursor or pointerdisplayed on the primary display 130. The track pad 104 may also be usedto control the location of a caret in a word processing user interface,the location of an active cell in a spreadsheet user interface, orselect text in a web browser user interface.

Below the track pad 104, the device may include one or more selectionbuttons 106. The selection button 106 may be used to select items orobjects displayed on the primary display 130. The selection button 106may be used, for example, to select an item displayed under or proximateto the cursor or pointer controlled by the track pad 104. In some cases,the selection button 106 is an electromechanical button that is actuatedby depressing the selection button 106 past a threshold position. Theselection button 106 may also be an electronic button that is actuatedby pressing a region with a force that is greater than a threshold oractuation force. In such cases, the selection button 106 may notactually displace a perceptible amount when actuated.

The device 100 also includes one or more ports 108 or electricalconnectors positioned along one or more sides of the housing 102. Theports 108 may include, for example, a USB connection port, an IEEE 1394data port, audio connection port, video connection port, or otherelectrical hardware port that is configured to transmit and/or receivesignals or data. The ports 108 may also include a power connection portthat is configured to receive electrical power from an external sourcesuch as a wall outlet or other power source.

In general, the adaptive input row may provide an expandable oradaptable user input for the device. In particular, an adaptive inputrow having a display, a touch sensor and/or a force sensor may beconfigured to receive user input for a wide range of scenarios. FIGS.2A-2F depict example embodiments of an adaptive input row and how it maybe used to interpret a wide variety of user input.

FIG. 2A depicts an example partial view of an adaptive input row 200positioned above or adjacent a set of keys 220 of a keyboard. In thisexample, the adaptive input row 200 is displaying a set of indicia201-204 that corresponds to various functions or operations. The set ofindicia 201-204 may be displayed in accordance with a first input mode,such as a function-row input mode. The function-row input mode may, forexample, be the default or initial input mode of the adaptive input row200.

The adaptive input row 200 may include a set of programmably definedregions 211-214, each associated with a respective indicium of the setof indicia 201-204. Each region 211-214 may be defined as the area aboveand immediately surrounding a respective indicium 201-204. In thisexample, each region 211-214 is defined as a substantially rectangularregion that abuts an adjacent region along the length of the adaptiveinput row 200. The approximate border between the regions is indicatedby a short line segment, as shown in FIG. 2A. However, it is notnecessary that the borders of the regions 211-214 be visually marked ordesignated. It is also not necessary that the regions 211-214 berectangular in shape or be directly abutting each other. For example, insome embodiments, the regions 211-214 may be oval or rounded in shapeand be separated by a small gap or region that is not associated with anindicium.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the adaptive input row 200 includes atouch-sensitive region 210 that is not associated with a respectiveindicium. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive region 210 may notinclude any display or illumination capacity. While the adaptive inputrow 200 may not display an indicium or symbol, the touch-sensitiveregion 210 may still be associated with one or more functions oroperations. For example, the touch-sensitive region 210 may be operable,when touched, to perform an “illuminate” function that causes the otherindicia 201-204 of the adaptive input row 200 to become illuminated.Similarly, the touch-sensitive region 210 may be operable, when touched,to change the indicia or graphical output on other programmably definedregions 211-214 of the adaptive input row 200. For example, in responseto a touch within the touch-sensitive region 210, the adaptive input row200 may be configured to change the set of indicia 201-204 from a firstset indicia to a second, different set of indicia. In some cases, thetouch-sensitive region 210 may be operable to change between differentinput modes of the adaptive input row 200. The touch-sensitive region210 may also be operable to perform a “wake” function that activates theadaptive input row 200, the keyboard, and/or the device. In someembodiments, the touch-sensitive region 210 is at least partiallyilluminated by a backlight to provide a glow or other visual indicator.In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive region 210 includes one or moreindelible markings, such as a printed border, symbol, or shaded region.

The indicia that are displayed and the respective regions may varydepending on the input mode of the adaptive input row 200. In theexample input mode of FIG. 2A, the set of indicia may include a set offunction icons 202 (“F1”), 203 (“F2”), and 204 (“F3”). The functionicons 202-204 may correspond to functionality traditionally associatedwith the function-number keys (e.g., F1 through F12) on a traditionalkeyboard. The functionality assigned to these icons 202-204 may bedefined by the operating system or other software running on the device.A user may initiate or execute the assigned functionality by touchingthe respective region 212-214 associated with one of the function icons202-204.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the adaptive input row 200 may also display anindicium 201 that, in this example, is depicted as a volume icon. Theindicium may correspond to the volume control of a speaker containedwithin or controlled by the device. A touch on the region 211corresponding to the indicium 201 may initiate a volume control functionor operation.

In particular, FIG. 2B depicts another (second) input mode that may beinvoked in response to, for example, the touch of an object 225 (e.g., afinger) on the region 211. In the second input mode depicted in FIG. 2B,the programmably defined regions 211-214 remain in the same location anda different set of indicia 201, 205, 206, and 204 are displayed. The setof indicia associated in the second input mode may include both changedindicia and indicia that may stay the same. For example, the indicia 201and 204 remain displayed in their respective regions 211 and 214.However, different indicia 205 and 206 are displayed within regions 212and 213, respectively.

The new or changed indicia may correspond to the user selection, whichin this example may be interpreted as a request to control speakerhardware settings (e.g., volume control). Accordingly, the indicia 205and 206 are associated with hardware control functionality,specifically, volume down (“−”) and volume up (“+”) speaker controls.While these are provided as example hardware control features, othericon arrangements or functionality may also be provided.

With respect to the example second input mode of FIG. 2B, thetouch-sensitive region 210 may remain associated with the same functionor operation assigned with the input mode of FIG. 2A. That is, thetouch-sensitive region 210 may be assigned an “illuminate,” “wake,” orother similar operation and may be illuminated. Alternatively, thetouch-sensitive region 210 may become un-illuminated or darkened inaccordance with the second input mode due to the adaptive input row 200being in a currently active state.

FIG. 2C depicts another example (third) input mode that may be invokedin response to a user selection or other triggering event. As shown inFIG. 2C, another (third) set of indicia may be displayed in accordancewith the third input mode. Specifically, a first indicium 215 mayinclude a mute/unmute symbol, a second indicium 216 may include a volumedown symbol, and a third indicium 217 may include a volume up symbol. Atouch on each of the regions associated with indicia 215-217 may beinterpreted as a command to perform the corresponding function (e.g.,mute/unmute, decrease volume, increase volume).

The third input mode depicted in FIG. 2C also includes a fourth indicium218, which may include a graduated indicator symbol. The fourth indicium218 may be displayed within a corresponding region 219 that isconfigured to receive a touch gesture input. For example, a slidingtouch to the left or right within region 219 may result in acorresponding volume adjustment, either up or down, depending on thedirection of the sliding touch. Thus, the adaptive input row 200 may beused to provide a variable level of control that corresponds to or isscaled with respect to an amount of movement of a gesture or other touchinput.

FIG. 2D depicts another example input mode including a set of indicia221, 222, 223 that is associated with an application softwarefunctionality and/or user interface. In the present example, the inputmode of FIG. 2D is associated with an e-mail application softwareprogram that may be currently being executed on the device. The indicium222 may include an envelope having a number indicating a number ofunread e-mails. A user selection on the region 227, corresponding toindicium 222, may be interpreted as a request to read new or recente-mail messages. Accordingly, the device may display a user interfacehaving new or recent e-mail messages, in response to a touch selectionon region 227. The indicium 223 may include a sheet of paper and pencilrepresenting a command to open a new e-mail. Accordingly, a userselection on region 228, corresponding to indicium 223, may result in anew e-mail being opened and displayed on the primary display of thedevice (130 of FIG. 1). The example of FIG. 2D also includes indicium221, which may indicate the type of application software (“EMAIL”)associated with the current input mode of the adaptive input row 200.

In some implementations of the input mode of FIG. 2D, some of theregions may be active or touch-sensitive and other regions may beinactive. For example, regions 227 and 228 may be active ortouch-sensitive in accordance with the description provided above. Thatis, a touch on either region 227 or region 228 may result in a commandor function being executed or performed. In contrast, region 226 may beinactive in the present input mode. That is, a touch on region 221 maynot result in a command or function being executed or performed. Becausethe regions of an input mode are programmably defined, nearly anyportion of the adaptive input row may be selectively designated aseither active or inactive in accordance with the input mode.

FIG. 2E depicts another example input mode that may be implemented usingthe adaptive input row 200. The example input mode may include thedisplay of an indicium 232 that may be animated or modified inaccordance with a movement of an object 234 (e.g., a finger) across theadaptive input row 200. Specifically, the adaptive input row 200includes a slider having a slider node 233 that may be translated alongthe length of the adaptive input row 200 in accordance with the movementof the touch of the object 234. In the present example, a slidinggesture across the adaptive input row 200 results in an animatedindicium 232 having a slider node 233 that follows or tracks themovement of the object 234.

FIG. 2E provides another example in which a gesture input over a region231 may be provided to the adaptive input row 200 to provide a variableor scaled operation. The slider-type indicium 232 of FIG. 2E may be usedto control a scalable or variable operation, such as a horizontal scrollacross a document or user interface. In this case, the amount ofscrolling may correspond to an amount of movement of the object 234.

FIG. 2F depicts another example input mode using the adaptive input row200. The example input mode may include an indicium 235 that is animatedto prompt or guide the user. In this example, the indicium 235 is acrescent that is animated in motion along path 236 from left to rightacross the adaptive input row 200. The animated crescent 235 may promptor guide the user to region 237, which may be a touch-sensitive oractivated region on the adaptive input row 200.

FIGS. 2G-2J depict various example types of touch input that may beprovided to the adaptive input row. In general, the touch input mayinclude one or more types of touch interactions including, for example,a touch, a forceful touch, a gesture, or any combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 2G, the adaptive input row 200 may be configured toreceive and detect the force of a touch provided by an object 240 (e.g.,a finger) placed in contact with the adaptive input row 200. Asdescribed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 3, 4A-4F, 5A-5B,and 6A-6C, the adaptive input row 200 may include a force sensor that isconfigured to detect an amount of force applied to the adaptive inputrow 200. In some embodiments, the force sensor of the adaptive input row200 may be used to detect whether an applied force exceeds a thresholdin order to distinguish between a light touch and a forceful touch. Inmany embodiments, the output of the force sensor is non-binary andcorresponds to the amount or degree of force applied. Thus, more thanone threshold may be used to define multiple levels of input force.Additionally, the force sensor may be used to generate a continuouslyvarying signal that corresponds to the amount of force applied to theadaptive input row 200, which may be used to control a variable orscalable function or operation.

In some embodiments, a visual response 241 is produced by the adaptiveinput row 200 in response to a touch or a force being applied by theobject 240. The visual response 241 may, in some cases, include ananimation or other visual effect. For example, the visual response 241may include a ripple or wave animation in response to a touch by theobject 240. In some implementations, the visual response 241 may includean animation (e.g., a wave or ripple) indicating that the force of thetouch has exceeded a threshold. A touch having a force that exceeds athreshold may be used to invoke alternative or secondary functionalityalong the adaptive input row 200. Additionally or alternatively, theforce of a touch may be used to provide a variable or scaled input to afunction or operation. For example, an amount of scrolling or the sizeof a selection may be controlled, in part, by modulating the amount offorce applied to the adaptive input row 200.

Additionally or alternatively, the adaptive input row 200 may beconfigured to produce a haptic response in response to a touch orapplied force. For example, the adaptive input row 200 may include or beoperatively coupled to a vibratory motor or other haptic device that isconfigured to produce a localized haptic output over a portion of theadaptive input row 200. The localized haptic output may include animpulse or vibratory response that is perceptible to the touch on thesurface of the adaptive input row 200. The localized haptic output maybe attenuated or damped for surfaces of the device other than theadaptive input row 200.

FIG. 2H depicts an example of a multi-touch input that may be receivedby the adaptive input row 200. In the example of FIG. 2H, a first object251 (e.g., a first finger) may be used to apply a forceful touch while asecond object 252 (e.g., a second finger) may be used to touch and/orperform a gesture. The configuration depicted in FIG. 2H may be used toperform one of multiple types of touch input. For example, the forcefultouch of the first object 251 may be used to invoke a secondary command,such as a document scroll command. While maintaining the forceful touch,as indicated by the visual response 253, a gesture may be performedusing the second object 252 which may be used as a variable input to thescroll command. For example, the amount of movement across the rowprovided by the second object 252 may correspond to an amount ofscrolling that is performed.

FIG. 2I depicts another example of a multi-touch input that may bereceived by the adaptive input row 200. As shown in FIG. 2I, a firstobject 261 (e.g., a first finger) and a second object 262 (e.g., asecond finger) may perform a coordinated movement or gesture to invoke acommand or function. In the present example, the first object 261 andsecond object 262 may be moved away from each other in oppositedirections. This multi-touch gesture may invoke a zoom-in or enlargecommand for an object or image displayed using the primary display ofthe device. Similarly, the first object 261 and second object 262 may bemoved toward each other in opposite directions to invoke a zoom-out orreduce command.

FIG. 2J depicts an example of a two-dimensional gesture that may bereceived by the adaptive input row 200. In general, due to the longnarrow shape of the touch-sensitive surface, adaptive input row 200 maybe well-suited to detect single-dimensional (e.g., length-wise) touchlocation information. However, as shown in FIG. 2J, the adaptive inputrow 200 may also be configured to detect a small amount of transversemovement. In the example of FIG. 2J, the adaptive input row 200 may beconfigured to determine the transverse (or width-wise) position of anobject 271 (e.g., a finger) as it moves along a path 272. In someembodiments, the adaptive input row 200 may be configured to detect acontoured or curved gesture path 272. Additionally or alternatively, theadaptive input row 200 may be configured to detect a vertical orwidth-wise gesture that is performed transverse to the length of theadaptive input row 200.

The ability to determine transverse position may not be limited togesture input. For example, in some embodiments, more than oneprogrammably defined region may be defined along the width of theadaptive input row 200. Accordingly, the number of selectable regionsmay be increased by distinguishing between a touch on an upper regionversus a lower region of the adaptive input row 200.

The examples of FIGS. 2A-2J are provided by way of example and are notintended to be limiting in nature. Additionally, display features of anyone of the examples of FIGS. 2A-2F may be combined with any one of theexample touch-input examples of FIGS. 2G-2J. Similarly, one or morefeatures of any one example of FIGS. 2A-2J may be combined with one ormore features of another example of FIGS. 2A-2J to achieve functionalityor an input mode not expressly described in a single figure.

The flexible and configurable functionality described above with respectto FIGS. 2A-2J depends, in part, on the ability to programmably definevarious touch-sensitive regions across the adaptive input row. Theprogrammably defined touch-sensitive regions may be enabled using one ormore sensors that are integrated with the adaptive input row. Thesensors may include one or both of a touch sensor and a force sensor.

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified exploded view of an adaptive input row 300having both a touch sensor layer 306 (or touch layer 306) and a forcesensor layer 308 (or force layer 308) positioned under a cover 302. Asshown in the simplified embodiment of FIG. 3, the touch layer 306 may bepositioned between a display 304 and the cover 302. The force layer 308may be positioned on a side of the display 304 opposite to the touchlayer 306. However, the relative position of the various layers maychange depending on the embodiment.

In the simplified exploded view of FIG. 3, the layers are depicted ashaving approximately the same length. However, in some embodiments, thelength of the layers may vary within the stack. For example, the cover302 and touch layer 306 may be longer than the display 304 and the forcelayer 308. In some cases, the cover 302 and the touch layer 306 may beextended to define a touch-sensitive region that is not illuminated bythe display 304.

As shown in FIG. 3, the touch sensor layer 306 includes an array ofsensing nodes 316 that is configured to detect the location of a fingeror object on the cover 302. The array of sensing nodes 316 may operatein accordance with a number of different touch sensing schemes. In someimplementations, the touch layer 306 may operate in accordance with amutual-capacitance sensing scheme. Under this scheme, the touch layer306 may include two layers of intersecting transparent traces that areconfigured to detect the location of a touch by monitoring a change incapacitive or charge coupling between pairs of intersecting traces. Inanother implementation, the touch layer 306 may operate in accordancewith a self-capacitive sensing scheme. Under this scheme, the touchlayer 306 may include an array of capacitive electrodes or pads that isconfigured to detect the location of a touch by monitoring a change inself-capacitance of a small field generated by each electrode. In otherimplementations, a resistive, inductive, or other sensing scheme couldalso be used.

In general, the density or size of the sensing nodes 316 of the touchlayer 306 is greater than the size of a typical programmably definedregion 310, which may be sized to receive the touch of a single finger.In some cases, a group of multiple sensing nodes 316 are used tologically define the programmably defined region 310. Thus, in someembodiments, multiple sensing nodes 316 may be used to detect thelocation of a single finger.

The sensing nodes 316 may be formed by depositing or otherwise fixing atransparent conductive material to a substrate material. Potentialsubstrate materials include, for example, glass or transparent polymerslike polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or cyclo-olefin polymer (COP).Example transparent conductive materials includepolyethyleneioxythiophene (PEDOT), indium tin oxide (ITO), carbonnanotubes, graphene, piezoresistive semiconductor materials,piezoresistive metal materials, silver nanowire, other metallicnanowires, and the like. The transparent conductors may be applied as afilm or may be patterned into an array on the surface of the substrateusing a printing, sputtering, or other deposition technique.

In some embodiments, the touch layer 306 is formed directly on the cover302. Before forming the touch layer 306, the cover 302 may bestrengthened using an ion-exchange or other strengthening treatmentprocess. The touch layer 306 may be formed directly onto the cover 302using, for example, a stereo lithographic process or other similartechnique for forming multiple conductive layers on a substrate. Thestrengthening and sense-layer-forming processes may be performed on asheet of material that is larger than the final shape of the cover 302.Thus, after forming the touch layer 306, in some instances, the finalshape of the cover 302 may be cut from the larger sheet of material. Thecover 302 may then be edge ground and otherwise prepared for assemblywith other components of the adaptive input row 300.

As shown in FIG. 3, the adaptive input row 300 may also include a forcelayer 308 positioned, in this case, under the display 304. The forcelayer 308 may include an array of force nodes 318 which may be used toestimate the magnitude of force applied by one or multiple touches onthe cover 302. Similar to the touch layer 306, the force layer 308 mayinclude an array of force-sensing structures or force nodes 318, whichmay operate in accordance with various force-sensing principles.

In some embodiments, the force nodes 318 are formed from astrain-sensitive material, such as a piezoresistive, piezoelectric, orsimilar material having an electrical property that changes in responseto stress, strain, and/or deflection. Example strain-sensitive materialsinclude carbon nanotube materials, graphene-based materials,piezoresistive semiconductors, piezoresistive metals, metal nanowirematerial, and the like. Each force node 318 may be formed from anindividual block of strain-sensitive material that is electricallycoupled to sensing circuitry. Alternatively, each force node 318 may beformed from an electrode pair that is positioned on opposite sides orends of a sheet of a strain-sensitive sheet.

In some embodiments, the force nodes 318 are formed from a capacitiveforce-sensitive structure that includes at least two capacitive platesseparated by a compliant or compressible layer. The force of a touch maycause the partial compression or deflection of the compressible layerand may cause the two capacitive plates to move closer together, whichmay be measured as a change in capacitance using sensing circuitryoperatively coupled to each of the force nodes 318. The change incapacitance, which corresponds to an amount of compression or deflectionof the compressible layer, may be correlated to an estimated (applied)force.

Alternatively, the force nodes 318 may operate in accordance with anoptical or resistive sensing principle, For example, an applied forcemay cause a compression of a compliant or compressible layer which maybe detected using an optical sensor. In some embodiments, compression ofthe compressible layer may result in contact between two or more layers,which may detected by measuring the continuity or resistance between thelayers.

The arrangement and density of the force nodes 318 may vary depending onthe implementation. For example, if it not necessary to resolve theforce for each of multiple touches on the adaptive input row 300, theforce layer 308 may comprise a single force node 318. However, in orderto estimate the magnitude of force of each of multiple touches on thecover 302, multiple force nodes 318 may be used. The density and size ofthe force nodes 318 will depend on the desired force-sensing resolution.Additionally or alternatively, the force layer 308 may be used todetermine both the location and the force applied to the adaptive inputrow 300. In this case the size and placement of the force nodes 318 maydepend on the mechanical principle used to determine the location of thetouch. Example force layer embodiments that may be used to detectlocation as well as forces are described in more detail below withrespect to FIGS. 5A-5B.

In some embodiments, the touch layer 306 and the force layer 308 may beformed on a single, shared layer. For example the sensing nodes 316 andthe force nodes 318 may be interspersed with each other. The combinedtouch and force layer may be positioned between the display 304 and thecover 302 or, alternatively, may be positioned below the display 304 ona side opposite to the cover 302.

In some embodiments, one or more additional layers may be incorporatedinto the adaptive input row 300. For example, the additional layer mayinclude a haptic layer having one or more mechanisms for producing alocalized haptic response on the surface of the cover 302. In someinstances, a haptic layer may include a piezoelectric transducer orother mechanism that is configured to produce a vibration or impulsethat is perceptible to the touch of a finger on the surface of the cover302. In some embodiments, the haptic layer may include one or morestrips of piezoelectric material that are configured to displace thecover 302 in response to an electrical stimulus or signal.

As described above with respect to FIG. 1, an adaptive input row may beintegrated with or positioned in an opening in the housing of a device.FIGS. 4A-4F depict cross-sectional views taken across section A-A ofFIG. 1 and illustrate various example component stackups for an adaptiveinput row 400. While various components are depicted as being located ina particular position, the relative placement of some components mayvary depending on the embodiment. Additionally, some components,including intermediate substrates, adhesive layers, and various otherlayers have been omitted from FIGS. 4A-4F for clarity. In general, theadaptive input row examples of FIGS. 4A-4F may be used to perform one ormore of the inputs or display features described above with respect toFIGS. 2A-2J.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict an example adaptive input row 400 in anun-deflected and deflected state, respectively. The adaptive input row400 may be deflected by, for example, the force (F) of one or moretouches on the surface of the cover 402. In this embodiment, the force(F) results in a partial compression or deflection of the force-sensinglayer 408. Described in more detail below, the force-sensing layer 408may be formed from a single force-sensing component or an array offorce-sensing components or nodes positioned throughout theforce-sensing layer 408.

The movement of various components due to the deflection of the adaptiveinput row 400 is exaggerated between FIGS. 4A and 4B to betterillustrate various principles. However, in an actual implementation, theamount of movement or deflection may be significantly less than asdepicted in the examples of FIGS. 4A and 4B. In some cases, the actualmovement or deflection of the adaptive input row 400 is imperceptible orvirtually imperceptible to a human touch. Furthermore, it is notnecessary to deflect the adaptive input row 400 in order to actuate oneor more regions of the adaptive input row 400. In particular, theadaptive input row 400 includes a touch layer 406 positioned below thecover 402 which may include a touch node array that is configured todetect light or near touches on the surface of the cover 402. Therefore,the un-deflected state of FIG. 4A may also represent an un-actuated oran actuated state, as deflection of the adaptive input row 400 is notnecessary in order to recognize a touch on the cover 402 of the adaptiveinput row 400.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the adaptive input row 400 is positioned inan opening 412 defined within the housing 410. In the presentembodiment, the opening 412 is a recess or pocket formed in a topsurface of housing 410. Accordingly, the opening 412 (with the exceptionof passage 414) does not expose the internal components of the deviceeven when the adaptive input row 400 is not installed or positionedwithin the opening 412. This may be advantageous for sealing the deviceagainst debris or contaminants or liquid ingress. The opening 412 may bedefined, at least in part, by a support structure 418, which may beintegrally formed with the housing 410 or, alternatively, may be formedfrom a separate component.

The adaptive input row 400 includes a cover 402 having a touch-sensitivesurface that forms a portion of an exterior surface of the device. Thecover 402 may be formed from a durable transparent material, includingvarious types of ceramics, such as glass, alumina, sapphire, zirconia,and the like. The cover 402 may also be formed from a polymer material,such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, acrylic, polystyrene, and the like.The upper or exterior surface of the cover 402 may be approximatelyaligned with the upper or exterior surface of the housing 410. In thepresent example, a small gap 416 is formed between the opening 412 ofthe housing 410 and the edge of the cover 402. The gap 416 allows for asmall amount of relative movement between the cover 402 and the housing410. The gap 416 may also form a structural relief between thecomponents and reduce or eliminate forces applied to the housing 410from affecting the force-sensing layer 408 of the adaptive input row400.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a display 404 may be positioned below thecover 402. The display 404 may be a pixelated display configured todisplay programmable images and graphic displays. In some embodiments,the display 404 may have a pixel spacing or pitch of 0.4 mm or less. Thedisplay 404 may also have a refresh rate of 30 Hz or greater. In thepresent example, the display 404 includes an organic light-emittingdiode (OLED) display formed from two layers: an encapsulation layer 404a and a phosphorescent organic layer 404 b. The display 404 may alsoinclude one of a variety of other types of display elements including,for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode(LED) display, a electroluminescent (EL) display, an electrophoretic inkdisplay, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the display 404 and the cover 402 arenearly congruent. In particular, with the exception of touch-sensitiveregion 401, the area of the display 404 overlaps with the area of thecover 402. Thus, nearly the entire area of the cover 402 (with theexception of region 401) may be illuminated by the display 404. In thisexample, the cover 402 includes a non-display, touch-sensitive region401 located at an end of the adaptive input row 400. The touch-sensitiveregion 401, as the name implies, may be configured to detect a touchand/or a force of touch but is not illuminated by the display 404. Thetouch-sensitive region 401 may correspond to the touch-sensitive region210 of FIG. 2A-2B. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive region 401is not illuminated. Alternatively, the touch-sensitive region 401 may beilluminated by a light-emitting diode (LED) or other light-emittingelement positioned under the cover 402. The light-emitting element maybe integrated, for example, with circuitry 422 positioned under thetouch-sensitive region 401.

A touch layer 406 may also be positioned below the cover 402. In someembodiments, the touch layer 406 is positioned on a layer disposedbetween the cover 402 and the display 404. As described above withrespect to FIG. 3, the touch layer 406 may include an array or grid ofcapacitive nodes that is configured to detect the location of a touch onthe surface of the cover 402. In general, the size of the capacitivenode is smaller than a typical programmably defined region so thatmultiple capacitive nodes may be included within a single programmablydefined region.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the adaptive input row 400 also includes aforce layer 408 that may be used to estimate an amount of force (F)applied to the cover 402. The force layer 408 may operate in accordancewith one or more force-sensing principles, including piezoelectric,piezo-resistive, capacitive, and so on. The force layer 408 may beformed as a single force-sensing structure or may include an array orpattern of multiple force-sensing structures. While the force layer 408is depicted as a generic block in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the force layer 408may not cover the entire region below the display 404. Alternativeexample force layers are described below with respect to FIGS. 5A-5B and6A-6C.

The examples of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the display 404, the touch layer 406,and the force layer 408 are operatively coupled to circuitry 422. Toreduce signal degradation, the circuitry 422 may be located in theopening 412 formed in the housing 410. The circuitry 422 may bepositioned, for example, below the non-display, touch sensitive region401. The circuitry 422 may include signal conditioning circuitry, analogto digital conversion circuitry, and/or other signal processingcircuitry. In some embodiments, the circuitry 422 may also include oneor more microprocessors used to control one or more of the display 404,the touch layer 406, and the force layer 408.

The circuitry 422 may be coupled to other electronic componentspositioned within the housing 410 via a flexible conduit 426. Theflexible conduit 426 may be used to operatively couple the circuitry 422with internal device components including, for example, one or moreprocessing units and computer memory. A more complete description ofinternal device components is provided below with respect to FIG. 8.

In this example, the flexible conduit 426 enters an internal volume ofthe housing 410 through the passage 414. The passage 414 may be formedas a hole or slot in the support structure 418. To prevent the ingressof liquid or other potential contaminants, a gasket or seal 428 may bedisposed between the flexible conduit 426 and the passage 414. The seal428 may be formed from a soft compliant material such as silicone oranother type of elastomer. In some embodiments, the seal 428 may beover-molded directly onto the flexible conduit 426. Alternatively, theseal 428 may be formed as a separate component and slipped onto theflexible conduit 426 before it is inserted into the passage 414.

Alternatively, the circuitry 422 may be formed on or attached to theflexible conduit 426. Thus, in some cases, the circuitry 422 may passthrough the passage 414 and may even be positioned within the internalvolume of the housing 410. In some embodiments, the circuitry 422 may bepositioned within a separate opening that is partitioned or otherwiseseparated from the opening 412.

The adaptive input row 400 may include other features or components thatreduce potential exposure to moisture, liquid, or other contaminants.For example, the adaptive input row 400 may include a potting layer 424formed around the edges of the display 404. In some embodiments, thepotting layer 424 may also cover some or all of the force layer 408and/or touch layer 406. In some embodiments, the potting layer 424 isformed from two or more layers having different materials and/orcovering different regions of the adaptive input row 400. The pottinglayer 424 may be formed from an epoxy or other similar compound. Thepotting layer 424 may be embedded with another material such as a glassfiber to improve the strength and performance of the potting layer 424.The potting layer 424 may also be specially formulated to be lesssensitive to moisture or other potential contaminants.

In some embodiments, some or all of the opening 412 may be filled with apotting or encapsulating material. For example, the region of theopening 412 surrounding the circuitry 422 may be filled with potting orencapsulating material. By encapsulating or potting the region aroundthe circuitry 422, the electronics may be protected from moisture whilealso sealing the passage 414 and preventing moisture or liquid fromentering the internal volume of the housing 410.

FIGS. 4C and 4D depict an alternative embodiment of an adaptive inputrow 450 having a cantilevered cover 452. In this configuration, one ormore edges or sides of the cover 452 are attached or integrally formedwith the housing 460. For example, the cover 452 may be formed from asheet of glass that is attached to the housing 460 and configured tooverhang in a cantilever fashion over the opening 462 in the housing460. The display 454 may be positioned below the cover 452 and above theforce layer 458. A gap 468 may be formed between the cover 452 and anedge of the opening 462 allowing the cover 452 to bow or displaceslightly.

As shown in FIG. 4D, a force (F), due to, for example, a forceful touchon the cover 452, may cause the cover 452 to deflect similar to acantilevered beam. Similar to the previous example, the force layer 458(or other compliant layer) may deflect slightly in response to the force(F). The depicted deflection is exaggerated to better illustrate theprinciples of this embodiment. In some implementations, the deflectionmay be much smaller and the movement of the cover 452 may beimperceptible or virtually imperceptible to a human touch.

Other than the cantilevered cover 452, the other components of theadaptive input row 450 may be as described above with respect to FIGS.4A and 4B. Redundant descriptions have been omitted for clarity.

FIGS. 4E and 4F depict alternative configurations for positioning thecircuitry that is operatively coupled to elements of the adaptive inputrow. The examples of FIGS. 4E and 4F may be combined with any one of theadaptive input row embodiments described herein and is not limited tothe particular configuration or stackup depicted in FIGS. 4E and 4F.

FIG. 4E depicts an example adaptive input row 470 having circuitry 472positioned within a cavity 474. As shown in FIG. 4E, the cavity 474 iscovered by an extension 476 integrally formed with the housing 477.Thus, the circuitry 472 is positioned below the extension 476 of thehousing 477 rather than beneath the cover, as depicted in the examplesof FIGS. 4A-4D. In the configuration of FIG. 4E, the cover 478 may benearly the same size as the display 475 and, thus, the display 475 maybe used to provide graphical output for nearly the entire cover 478.

As shown in FIG. 4E, the circuitry 472 may be coupled to one or moreseparate components by flexible conduit 426. Similar to previousexamples, the flexible conduit 426 may enter an interior volume of thehousing 477 through passage 414. To prevent the ingress of liquid orother potential contaminants, a gasket or seal 428 may be disposedbetween the flexible conduit 426 and the passage 414.

FIG. 4F depicts an example adaptive input row 480 having circuitry 482positioned within an internal volume or region 484 of the housing 487.In the configuration of FIG. 4F, the cover 488 may be nearly the samesize as the display 485 and, thus, the display 485 may be used toprovide graphical output for nearly the entire cover 488. Anotherpotential advantage is that the housing 477 may be formed to moreclosely fit the outer dimensions of the adaptive input row 480. As shownin FIG. 4F, the circuitry 472 may be coupled to elements of the stack bythe flexible conduit 486. The flexible conduit 486 may enter an interiorvolume of the housing 487 through passage 414. To prevent the ingress ofliquid or other potential contaminants, a gasket or seal 428 may bedisposed between the flexible conduit 486 and the passage 414.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict adaptive input rows having alternative forcelayers that may be used to estimate the force of a touch. The exampleforce layers of FIGS. 5A and 5B may also be used to estimate thelocation of a touch, with or without the use of a separate touch senselayer. The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B may be installed orpositioned in an opening of a housing similar to the examples describedabove with respect to FIGS. 4A-4F.

FIG. 5A depicts an example adaptive input row 500 having a cover 502positioned over a display 504, which may include an OLED display similarto the examples described above with respect to FIGS. 4A-4B. A forcelayer 508 is positioned below the display 504 on a side opposite thecover 502. The force layer 508 may be supported by structure 505, whichmay be integrated with the device housing or may be formed from aseparate component.

In the example of FIG. 5A, the force layer 508 includes acapacitive-type force-sensing structure 510. Specifically, the forcelayer 508 includes two force-sensing structures 510 or nodes disposednear opposite ends of the adaptive input row 500. Each force-sensingstructure 510 includes an upper capacitive plate or electrode 511 thatis separated from a lower capacitive plate or electrode 512 by acompressible layer 515. When a force is applied to the cover 502, one orboth of the compressible layers 515 may compress or deflect, whichresults in the upper electrode 511 moving closer to the lower electrode512. The amount of deflection may be measured by monitoring or measuringa change in capacitance between the electrodes 511, 512. The estimatedamount of deflection may be correlated to an estimated force, which maybe used to estimate the force of the touch on the cover 502.Accordingly, the force layer 508 may be used to compute or estimate themagnitude of an applied force on the adaptive input row 500.

Additionally or alternatively, the force layer 508 may be used toestimate a location of the touch along the length of the adaptive inputrow 500. For example, a relative displacement may be measured orcomputed between the force-sensing structures 510 positioned on oppositeends of the adaptive input row 500. By comparing the relativedisplacement between the two force-sensing structures 510, anapproximate location of the applied force or touch may be determined.For example, if the displacement of each force-sensitive structure 510is approximately the same, the location of the touch may be estimated tobe near the center of the adaptive input row 500 (provided that theforce-sensitive structures 510 are evenly spaced and have nearly thesame compressibility). If, however, the displacement of theforce-sensitive structure 510 on the left is greater than thedisplacement of the force-sensitive structure 510 on the right, thelocation of the touch may be estimated to be toward the left-end of theadaptive input row 500.

The location information provided using the force layer 508 may be usedalone or in conjunction with information provided by a separate touchlayer to determine the force and location of one or more touches on theadaptive input row 500. The force layer 508 may be particularlybeneficial when estimating an amount of force applied by two or moretouches on the cover 502. Using location information estimated using atouch layer, the relative displacement of the two force-sensitivestructures may be used to estimate an amount of force that is applied byeach of the two or more touches.

FIG. 5B depicts an adaptive input row 550 having another example forcelayer 558 that may be used to estimate a magnitude and/or a location ofa force on the adaptive input row 550. Similar to the previous example,the adaptive input row 550 includes a display 554 positioned under acover 552. The force layer 558 is positioned below the display 554 andsupported by structure 555.

In the present embodiment, the force layer 558 includes a linear arrayof force-sensitive structures or force nodes 560 (referred to herein asnodes). Each of the nodes 560 may be formed from a piezoresistive,piezoelectric, or other strain-sensitive material that is configured toexhibit a change in an electrical property in response to a strain ordeflection. Alternatively, each of the nodes 560 may be formed from acapacitive electrode stack, similar to the example described above withrespect to FIG. 5A. In particular, each of the nodes 560 may include apair of capacitive plates or electrodes that are separated by acompressible material that is configured to compress or deflect inresponse to the force of a touch on the cover 552.

In the example of FIG. 5B, the nodes 560 are arranged in aone-dimensional array along the length of the adaptive input row 550. Insome embodiments, the one-dimensional array of nodes 560 is configuredto detect a localized deflection of the adaptive input row 550 toestimate both a magnitude of force and a location of the touch. Forexample, the cover 552, display 554, and any other layers or substratesof the stack may be flexible enough to deflect or bow over a localizedregion, which may result in fewer than all of the nodes 560 beingdeflected in accordance with the localized region. In this scenario, itmay be advantageous that the structure 555 be substantially rigid andnot deflect significantly in response to the force of a touch. In someembodiments, a sub-group of the nodes 560 experiences the localizeddeflection or bowing of the layers positioned above the force layer 558.Over the sub-group of affected nodes 560, the deflection may be greatestfor those nodes 560 closest to the location of the touch. Using therelative deflection or output of the affected nodes 560, the location ofthe touch may be estimated, as well as the magnitude of the appliedforce. In a similar fashion, the array of nodes 560 may be used tomeasure the location and magnitude of multiple touches on the adaptiveinput row 550.

While FIG. 5B depicts an array of nodes 560 arranged along a single(length) direction, other embodiments may include an array of nodesarranged along two directions (e.g., along both length and width of theadaptive input row similar to as depicted in the force layer 308 of FIG.3). A two-dimensional node configuration may be used to determine atwo-dimensional location of the touch. In particular, a two-dimensionalforce node array may be used to estimate both a length-wise andwidth-wise location of a touch.

In some embodiments, a force layer may also function as a seal orbarrier to prevent or reduce the ingress of moisture, liquid, or otherforeign matter. FIGS. 6A-6C depict example configurations of adaptiveinput rows having a force layer that is configured to both estimate anapplied force and form a gasket or seal around a portion of the adaptiveinput row. Various components, including a touch layer and othercomponents, are omitted from the simplified illustration of FIGS. 6A-6Cfor clarity and to reduce redundancy. However, various components andfunctionality expressly described with respect to other embodiments,including touch sensing and the use of a touch layer, may be combinedwith the features of FIGS. 6A-6C.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the adaptive input row 600 includes a force layer608 positioned under a display 604 and cover 602. In the presentembodiment, the force layer 608 is formed from a set of capacitiveforce-sensing structures 610. Each force-sensing structure 610 mayinclude a pair of capacitive plates or electrodes 611, 612 separated bya compressible layer 615. The force-sensing structures 610 may operatein accordance with a capacitive force-sensing scheme consistent with theexamples described above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 5A.

In the present embodiment, the force-sensing structures 610 may alsoform a gasket or seal around a portion of the adaptive input row 600.For example, the force-sensing structures 610 may be bonded or otherwisefixed with respect to adjacent layers (in this case display 604 andsupport structure 630) using an adhesive or other sealant that isconfigured to form a liquid-resistant barrier. For example, the set offorce-sensing structures 610 may be bonded to a single layer ofpressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) that forms a liquid-resistant barrieron at least that side of the set of force-sensing structures 610. Insome embodiments, the adhesive joint may also include an intermediatesubstrate or layer that facilitates the bond with an adhesive layer. Theset of force-sensing structures 610 may be similarly bonded/adhered onboth sides to form a substantially liquid-resistant barrier.

Additionally, the compressible layer 615 may also be configured toreduce the risk of contamination. For example, the compressible layer615 may be formed from a material that acts as a liquid and contaminantbarrier as well as provides the desired compressibility for theoperation of the force layer 608. In some cases, the compressible layer615 may be formed from an elastomer material, such as silicone, Viton,Buna-N, ethylene propylene or other similar material. The compressiblelayer 615 may also be formed from a solid material, a closed-cell foamor other liquid-resistant form of material. The compressible layer 615may be bonded to or otherwise attached to the pair of electrodes 611,612 to form a substantially liquid-resistant seal or barrier.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the force-sensing structures 610 encircle a portionof the adaptive input row 600 located under the display 604 and abovethe support structure 630. The layout or position of the force-sensingstructures 610 may be similar to as shown in FIG. 6C (which is across-sectional view of the force-sensing structures 660 in FIG. 6B). Inparticular, each force-sensing structure 610 may form a portion orsegment of a wall that functions as a barrier to seal an interior volumeor interior portion of the adaptive input row 600.

FIG. 6B depicts an adaptive input row 650 having a display 654positioned below a cover 652. The adaptive input row 650 also includes aforce layer (658 of FIG. 6C), which actually surrounds a region occupiedby the display 654. The adaptive input row 650, in this example, isformed around the perimeter of the display 654. The force layer (658 ofFIG. 6C) includes a set of force-sensing structures 660 that arepositioned between the cover 652 and the support structure 670. Byforming the force layer 658 by a series or array of force-sensingstructures 660 that are positioned around the perimeter of the display654, the force layer 658 may form a protective barrier or seal for aninternal volume or portion of the adaptive input row 650.

Similar to the previous examples, the force-sensing structures 660include a pair of capacitive plates or electrodes 661, 662 separated bya compressible layer 665. Similar to the example described above withrespect to FIG. 6A, the force-sensing structures 660 may be configuredto form a gasket or seal to prevent the ingress of moisture, liquid, orother potential contaminants. In the example of FIG. 6B, theforce-sensing structures 660 cooperate to form a seal or gasket aroundthe entire display 654. In some cases, this configuration reduces oreliminates the need to pot or encapsulate the edges of the display 654.

FIG. 6C depicts a cross-sectional view of the force layer 658 of FIG. 6Balong section B-B. In the simplified illustration of FIG. 6C, thedisplay 654 and other internal components have been omitted for clarity.In the example of FIG. 6C, the force layer 658 includes multipleforce-sensing structures that together form a segmented barrier aroundthe internal volume 680 of the adaptive input row 650. The small gaps682 between each force-sensing structure 660 or segment may be filledwith a sealant or similar material to prevent the ingress of moisture,liquid or other potential contaminants. In some embodiments, the smallgaps 682 are filled with the same material that forms the compressiblelayer 665 of the force-sensing structures 660.

In the configuration of FIG. 6C, the force-sensing structures 660 orsegments may be configured to produce a distinct or independentforce-sensing output in response to a force of a touch on the cover 652.In some embodiments, the relative output of the force-sensing structures660 may be used to estimate a location or region of potential locationsof the touch. For example, if one or more force-sensing structures 660toward the right end of the segmented structure experience a greaterdeflection than force-sensing structures 660 on the left end, thelocation of the touch(es) may be estimated to be in a region locatedtoward the right-end of the adaptive input row 650. In some embodiments,the force-sensing structures 660 may be used to provide two-dimensionaltouch or force-location information.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict alternative electronic devices that may include anadaptive input row. In particular, FIG. 7 depicts a keyboard device 700that includes an adaptive input row 710. The adaptive input row 710 ispositioned within an opening in a housing 702 similar to otherembodiments described herein. The adaptive input row 710 may have acolor and/or finish that matches the color and/or finish of the housing702. For example, the adaptive input row 710 may be painted or otherwisetreated to match the color and appearance of an aluminum or plastichousing 702.

As shown in FIG. 7, the adaptive input row 710 is also located adjacentto a set of keys 720. In some embodiments, the adaptive input row 710may be located adjacent to a number row of the set of keys 720. Thelocation of the adaptive input row 710 may be similar to the location ofa traditional function row of a traditional keyboard layout.

FIG. 8 depicts an example desktop computing device 800 having a keyboard850 and a display 840. The display 840 may function as a primary displayof the device, similar to the primary display described above withrespect to FIG. 1. Computing electronics, including one or moreprocessing units and computer memory, may be located in the keyboarddevice 850, the display 840, and/or a separate enclosed housing or towernot depicted. As shown in FIG. 8, the device 800 includes an adaptiveinput row 810 located in the housing of the keyboard device 850. Theplacement and operation of the adaptive input row 810 may be inaccordance with the various examples provided herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic representation of an example device having anadaptive input row. The schematic representation depicted in FIG. 9 maycorrespond to components of the portable electronic device depicted inFIGS. 1, 7, and 8, described above However, FIG. 9 may also moregenerally represent other types of devices that include an adaptiveinput row or similar device.

As shown in FIG. 9, a device 900 includes a processing unit 902operatively connected to computer memory 904 and computer-readable media906. The processing unit 902 may be operatively connected to the memory904 and computer-readable media 906 components via an electronic bus orbridge. The processing unit 902 may include one or more computerprocessors or microcontrollers that are configured to perform operationsin response to computer-readable instructions. The processing unit 902may include the central processing unit (CPU) of the device.Additionally or alternatively, the processing unit 902 may include otherprocessors within the device including application specific integratedchips (ASIC) and other microcontroller devices.

The memory 904 may include a variety of types of non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media, including, for example, read accessmemory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory(e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. The memory 904 is configuredto store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and otherpersistent software elements. Computer-readable media 906 also includesa variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage mediaincluding, for example, a hard-drive storage device, solid state storagedevice, portable magnetic storage device, or other similar device. Thecomputer-readable media 906 may also be configured to storecomputer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistentsoftware elements.

In this example, the processing unit 902 is operable to readcomputer-readable instructions stored on the memory 904 and/orcomputer-readable media 906. The computer-readable instructions mayadapt the processing unit 902 to perform the operations or functionsdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2J. The computer-readableinstructions may be provided as a computer-program product, softwareapplication, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 9, the device 900 also includes a display 908 and aninput device 909. The display 908 may include a liquid-crystal display(LCD), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, light-emitting diode(LED) display, or the like. If the display 908 is an LCD, the displaymay also include a backlight component that can be controlled to providevariable levels of display brightness. If the display 908 is an OLED orLED type display, the brightness of the display 908 may be controlled bymodifying the electrical signals that are provided to display elements.

The input device 909 is configured to provide user input to the device900. The input device 909 may include, for example, a touch screen,touch button, keyboard, key pad, or other touch input device. The device900 may include other input devices, including, for example, a powerbutton, volume buttons, home buttons, scroll wheels, and camera buttons.

As shown in FIG. 9, the device 900 also includes an adaptive input row910. The adaptive input row 910 may be operatively coupled to theprocessing unit 902 and memory 904 in order to provide user inputsimilar to the input device 909. The adaptive input row 910 may also beconfigured to provide an adaptable display that may be controlled by theprocessing unit 902 or other aspect of the device 900. In general, theadaptive input row 910 may be configured to operate in accordance withthe various examples provided herein.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specificembodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustrationand description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit theembodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations arepossible in view of the above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable computing system comprising: a housinghaving a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion by a hinge;a set of alpha-numeric keys positioned within the second portion of thehousing; and an adaptive input row positioned between the set ofalpha-numeric keys and the hinge and comprising: a cover; a displaypositioned below the cover and configured to: display a first set ofindicia when the portable computing system is operated in a first mode;and display a second set of indicia when the portable computing systemis operated in a second mode, the first set of indicia including anindicium configured to be animated along a path across the displaybetween a first region of the display and a second region of thedisplay, wherein the first region is an inactive touch region and thesecond region is an active touch region, the indicium configured toprompt or guide a user to provide a touch gesture input along the path;and a sensor positioned below the cover and configured to detect alocation of a touch on the cover, wherein: output from the sensor isinterpreted as a first set of commands when in the first mode; andoutput from the sensor is interpreted as a second set of commands whenin the second mode.
 2. The portable computing system of claim 1,wherein: the first set of indicia includes a first symbol; the secondset of indicia includes a second symbol; the first and second symbolsoccupy a shared region of the display; and at least one symbol of thefirst set of indicia does not change when the portable computing systemtransitions from the first mode to the second mode.
 3. The portablecomputing system of claim 2, further comprising a track pad positionedadjacent a side of the set of alpha-numeric keys that is opposite theadaptive input row.
 4. The portable computing system of claim 1, whereinthe adaptive input row includes a touch-sensitive region that extendsbeyond a display region illuminated by the display.
 5. The portablecomputing system of claim 1, wherein: the adaptive input row defines athird region; and in response to the touch being located within thethird region, the adaptive input row is operable to change the displayfrom the first set of indicia to a third set of indicia.
 6. The portablecomputing system of claim 5, wherein: a set of programmably definedregions is defined along a length of the adaptive input row; and thefirst and second sets of indicia are displayed over a same set ofprogrammably defined regions.
 7. The portable computing system of claim5, wherein the sensor is configured to differentiate between: a touchgesture input in which the touch is moved across at least a portion ofthe cover; a forceful touch input in which the touch exerts a force thatexceeds a threshold; or a multi-touch input in which multiple touchescontact the cover.
 8. An electronic device comprising: a housing havinga first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion by a hinge: aprimary display positioned within the first portion of the housing; aprocessing unit positioned within the second portion of the housing andoperably coupled to the primary display; a keyboard having a set ofmechanical keys positioned within the second portion of the housing; andan adaptive input row positioned within the second portion of thehousing between the set of mechanical keys and the hinge, the adaptiveinput row comprising: a cover forming a portion of an exterior surfaceof the electronic device; and a display positioned below the cover;wherein the processing unit is configured to: cause a display of a userinterface for a software application on the primary display; and cause aset of indicia to be displayed on the display of the adaptive input row,the set of indicia corresponding to one or more commands associated withthe user interface of the software application and being modifiable inresponse to a movement of an object across the set of indicia, the setof indicia being animated along a path across the display of theadaptive input row between a first region and a second region, whereinthe first region is an inactive touch region and the second region is anactive touch region, the set of indicia prompting or guiding a user toprovide a touch gesture input that moves along the path.
 9. Theelectronic device of claim 8, wherein: the set of indicia is a first setof indicia; the user interface is a first user interface of a firstsoftware application; the one or more commands is a first set ofcommands; the processing unit is further configured to cause a secondset of indicia to be displayed on the display of the adaptive input row;and the second set of indicia corresponds to a second set of commandsassociated with a second user interface of a second softwareapplication.
 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein: the userinterface includes a symbol that correspond to a respective one of theone or more commands; and an indicia of the first set of indiciaincludes an indicia symbol that corresponds to the symbol.
 11. Theelectronic device of claim 9, wherein an indicia of the first set ofindicia changes when application not displayed.
 12. The electronicdevice of claim 8, wherein: the set of indicia is a first set ofindicia; the one or more commands is a first set of commands associatedwith a software-dependent input mode; the processing unit is furtherconfigured to cause a second set of indicia to be displayed on thedisplay of the adaptive input row; and the second set of indiciacorresponds to a second set of commands associated with ahardware-dependent input mode.
 13. The electronic device of claim 10,wherein: the user interface corresponds to an e-mail application; thesymbol includes an envelope symbol; and the indicia symbol includes theenvelope symbol.
 14. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein: theuser interface corresponds to a document viewer application; the symbolincludes a scrolling symbol; and the indicia symbol includes thescrolling symbol.
 15. A laptop computer comprising: a housing includingan upper housing portion and a lower housing portion, the upper andlower housing portions being connected to each other by a hinge; aprocessing unit located in the housing; a set of mechanical keys in akeyboard positioned within the lower housing portion; and an adaptiveinput row positioned along a side of the set of mechanical keys adjacentto the hinge, the set of mechanical keys comprising: a displayconfigured to display a set of indicators over a set of programmablydefined regions; and a sensor configured to detect a touch input on asurface of the adaptive input row; wherein the processing unit isconfigured to distinguish between a gesture input and a touch input onthe surface of the adaptive input row, the processing unit beingconfigured to animate a first indicator of the set of indicators acrossthe display along a path between a first region and a second region, thefirst indicator prompting or guiding a user to provide a touch gestureinput along the path toward the second region, the processing unit beingconfigured to move a second indicator of the set of indicators inresponse to gesture input being provided along the surface of theadaptive input row; wherein the first region is an inactive touch regionand the second region is an active touch region.
 16. The laptop computerof claim 15, wherein the second indicator includes a slider having atranslating slider node.
 17. The laptop computer of claim 15, whereinthe gesture input is a multi-touch input gesture.
 18. The laptopcomputer of claim 15, wherein the processing unit is further configuredto distinguish between the touch input, the gesture input, and a forceinput.
 19. The portable computing system of claim 1, wherein theprocessing unit is configured to distinguish between a gesture input anda touch input on the surface of the adaptive input row, the indiciumconfigured to prompt or guide a user to provide a gesture input alongthe path to provide input at the second region.
 20. The portablecomputing system of claim 19, wherein a processing unit is configured tomove an indicator along the path in response to the gesture inputprovided along the path.